Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Diabetes currently afflicts an astonishing 37 million people in the U.S. alone, and 1 in 5 Americans don’t even know they have it.
Moreover, 96 million US adults (over one-third) have pre-diabetes, with the rate of Type 2 diagnoses among adults more than doubling in the last 20 years.
To better understand this full-blown epidemic of metabolic dysfunction, I sat down with exercise physiologist, sports scientist, and Type 1 diabetic Drew Harrisberg.
“I went plant-based, and within two weeks my glucose numbers were back to normal. I’m five years in now and maintaining the same numbers.”
– DREW HARRISBERG
Diagnosed at 22, Drew shares his story, along with the diet and lifestyle changes he relies upon to thrive with his condition—changes he details and recommends not just for Type 1 diabetics but for anyone and everyone concerned about metabolic health and how to improve it.
We go deep into the physiology of diabetes, the differences between Type 1, Type 2, and pre-diabetes, and what can be prevented or reversed versus managed through lifestyle, movement, mindset, and nutrition.
We also discuss how diet and lifestyle impact blood glucose management generally, along with Drew’s take on the usefulness (or lack thereof) of continuous glucose monitors for non-diabetics.
But perhaps what is most fascinating about this conversation is Drew’s experience searching for the optimal diet to manage his own condition, a journey that took him from Paleo, to Keto, to you guessed it, finally settling on a whole food plant-based approach to his nutrition—and all the why’s and how’s behind this decision.
The visually inclined can watch this one on YouTube or Spotify. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts.
I have learned a ton from Drew’s educational platform Drew’s Daily Dose and his many appearances on Simon Hill’s podcast The Proof, so it was a delight to finally bend his ear in person during a recent visit to Australia.
This episode isn’t just a must-listen for those that suffer from diabetes—because improved metabolic health is relevant to all.
Enjoy!
Peace + Plants,
Listen, Watch, & Subscribe
For 1000s of delicious, customized plant-based recipes & so much more, check out our Plantpower Meal Planner.
Seed: Stewarding the future of how we will use bacteria to restore and sustain human and planetary health, Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic combines 24 clinically verified and naturally-occurring, probiotic strains with plant-based prebiotics. Visit seed.com/RichRoll and use code ROLL for 30% OFF your first order.
On: Swiss engineering at it’s finest, On crafts high-performance shoes and apparel crafted for comfort and style. Tested by world-class athletes, this gear is built to go the distance, so you can go all out, outdoors. Check out On’s incredible lineup and my top picks at on.com/RICHROLL.
Indeed knows that when you’re doing everything for your company, you can’t afford to overspend on hiring. With Indeed you only pay for quality applications that meet your criteria. There are no long-term contracts and Indeed gives you full control so you only pay for what you need. Start hiring now with a 75$ SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at indeed.com/RICHROLL. Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for a limited time.
Birch Living: The best, most affordable, organic, and sustainable mattresses on the market with a 100-night risk-free trial. 1% of each purchase is donated to the National Forest Foundation and Birch purchases carbon offsets for each mattress sold. For 20% off ALL mattresses and 2 free eco-rest pillows visit BirchLiving.com/richroll
Momentous: High-caliber human performance products for sleep, focus, longevity, and more. For listeners of the show, Momentous is offering an exclusive deal on their sleep pack, vegan protein, and their entire product collection. Go to LiveMomentous.com/richroll
- Connect with Drew: Website | Facebook | Instagram
- Drew’s Daily Dose: Sign Up Here
- CDC: Diabetes Quick Facts
- The Proof Podcast: From Paleo To Keto To A Plant-Based Diet | Drew Harrisberg
- InStyle: Mental Health, Immunity, Skin: Why Gut Health Is About So Much More Than ‘Banishing The Bloat’
- Body + Soul: Why exercise physiologist Drew Harrisberg is proud of his diabetes diagnosis
- Body + Soul: Drew Harrisberg’s 20-minute workout will work your whole body
- DailyMail: The body a plant-based diet built: Diabetic exercise physiologist reveals how he sculpted his dream physique in 18 months
- DailyMail: Super fit sports scientist shares his body transformation after being diagnosed with diabetes and overhauling his diet
- The Sydney Morning Herald: Documentary to blow the whistle on harmful food we’re feeding our pets
- Bundys: Drew Harrisberg Q&A
There are a few simple ways you can support the show and the content we strive to craft and share every single week
Subscribe & Review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Spotify). This helps tremendously!
Patronize Our Sponsors: Supporting the companies that support the show! For a complete list of all RRP sponsors and their respective vanity URLs and discount codes, click the ‘Sponsors’ tab in the ‘Shop’ menu.
Spread The Word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favorite episodes by posting about it on social media.
Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Blake Curtis & Dan Drake for video, & editing; graphics by Jessica Miranda & Daniel Solis; portraits by Davy Greenberg, Grayson Wilder & Gizelle Peters; video clips for social media are created by AJ Akpodiete; copywriting by Georgia Whaley; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.